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washington.district@wpaumc.org July 2014

__________________________________________________________________________________________ June 26, 2014 Dear Friends, Whenever the Cabinet meets it is our custom to begin each day with worship. As members of the Cabinet

we also take turns leading worship. At our last meeting it was the Bishop’s turn. Our last meeting was also the last meeting of the 2013-2014 appointment year and the one at which we said both “good-bye” and “thank you” to Don Scandrol and Tom Strandburg for whom June 30 marks the end of their service around the Cabinet table. We also said “good-bye” and “thank you” to Bill Mock for his service as the interim Assistant to the Bishop. Bill, you will remember, said “yes” when the Bishop called him and asked him to come out of retirement when Bob Higginbothom went home to be with the Lord last fall.

Topically, it was good for all of us to be there too. We talked about “covenant”. We especially talked about

our need to live into and live out our covenant to do several things. I’ve printed them for you below. As you read them I ask to consider making them a part of the covenant you will live into and live out with your fellow clergy, including the Bishop and members of the Cabinet, and the people under your care. As your Cabinet we have agreed to:

1. A covenant of honesty and integrity 2. A covenant of love, loyalty and mutual respect 3. A covenant of confidentiality 4. A covenant rooted in God and in Jesus Christ 5. A covenant of practice

Among others, included in the tenets of our covenant are commitments to transparency with each other,

supporting the work of the Annual Conference, loving one another and building each other up, speaking well of and praying for each other. Also included is our shared commitment to develop trust, a commitment to daily devotions and Bible study including when we are apart, a commitment to a “more holistic approach” to our work and life together, and a commitment to providing key leadership in the Annual Conferences “Five Areas of Focus”. Our time spent together was inspirational. It was, at the same time challenging and humbling. It was also

confessional. We were fully aware of how often we fell short of keeping the covenant we made. We also were fully

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aware of just how much we need God to help us in the future if we have any hope of being a covenant-keeping people.

It’s true for all of us. Without God’s help we are help-less to do anything. With God’s help however, there is

nothing we can’t do according to His will and purpose for our lives. It’s why you will see in the liturgy that follows a reference to the “power to keep the covenant we make that comes from Christ, who strengthens us.”

Tuesday, July 1 marks the beginning of the new appointment year. Some time during the day please join me,

and those who serve with you on the District, both laity and clergy, in affirming for the coming year the “covenant” below. There is more, of course to which we could commit too, but if we are able (with God’s help!) to live into and live out the tenets the covenant invites you to practice I can’t help but believe it will be enough and the Kingdom of God will come in ways we have yet to see or experience. Based on the Methodist Covenant which John Wesley adapted from the covenant written by Puritan Richard Alleine:

“As sisters and brothers in Christ, citizens of the Kingdom of God, let us together

reaffirm our commitment to the solemn covenant which God made with God’s people of all ages, nations, and races, a covenant of grace, sealed with the blood of Christ.

We are convinced that God’s Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom; All earthly empires and kingdoms rise and fall but we confess our loyalty to a King

that people did not crown and cannot dethrone. God’s only earthly crown was one of thorns, a sign of sacrificial servant kingship. And we know because of his death and resurrection that there is no power in

heaven or on earth that can separate us from that steadfast sacrificial love. And so we take upon us the yoke of Christ, making his purposes our priority, seeking

to do what is right in his eyes, not necessarily what is popular among our peers, or in the court of public opinion.

We turn in repentance from our failings in the past. And through the power of Christ’s Spirit e commit ourselves to do what God desires: to love as sacrificially as Christ has loved us; to forgive as we have been forgiven; to engage in the ministry of reconciliation; to seek and make peace; to speak the truth in love; to hope unswervingly and proclaim that hope consistently; to serve rather than be served; to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but to God what is God’s; to act justly and practice mercy; and walk humbly with our covenant God. At times this will be easy. At other times it will bring honor. At others shame. In some cases we may please Christ and please ourselves. In others we will not be able to please Christ except by denying ourselves. In some cases we may be loyal to Christ’s kingdom and honor earthly loyalties. In others we cannot be loyal to Christ and his kingdom except by rejecting previous

loyalties and defying earthly authority. Yet, the power to do all these things is given to us in Christ, who strengthens us. Therefore let us make this covenant in Christ our own. Let us give ourselves to Christ, trusting in his promises and relying on his grace. ‘Faithful, loving God, since you have called me through Christ to share in his gracious

covenant

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I pledge myself to you and your Kingdom. I take upon myself with joy the yoke of obedience. To give you all that I have and am. In all things to seek first your kingdom and to do what is right in your eyes. Seeking to serve you wherever you chose to place me in every sphere of my life. To live for you and your glory alone. Now and forever more. So be it. Amen.’” With appreciation and love, Brad

CELEBRATE!

Pastors Spouses

La mar Carlson 7/4 Karen Lauster 7/12 Dawn Hargraves 7/5 Bud Swingle 7/21 Jim Markley 7/6 Mary Lou James 7/23 Nick Grenci 7/13 Alice Sayre 7/23 Keith Simmons 7/13 Woody Wilson 7/19

Sandra Conti 7/23 Hal Dangel 7/27

Bill Parker 7/30 Anniversaries

Gary & Carol Gregg 7/1 Sammy & Elsie Knappenberger 7/19 Jim & Carol Lewis 7/6 John & Konita Hodge 7/26 Brad & Karen Lauster 7/14 Mike & Cathy Milinovich 7/26

Please welcome the following joining our District in spreading the Gospel: Michael Airgood Clairton: Pine Run Nathan Carlson Meadowbrook Heights Thomas Chacko Bentleyville-Houston First B.T. Gilligan California First Dawn Hargraves U M Community Charge Erik Hoeke Avery Jacob Judy Fairall Charge Scott Lawrence Greene Hills/Fairmount charge Darryl Lockie McDonald/Noblestown Charge Max Miller U M Community Charge

Clergy: Continuing Education Scholarship Applications --- new mailing address (disregard old address on the forms) --- Rev. Eric Leonard, Park UMC, 30 North Lake Street, North East, PA 16428

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Clergy – a note about UMPIP from our pensions department. When an appointment ends, the UMPIP contribution

also ends. Please see the details below!!!

Clergy being reappointed at Annual Conference must submit new UMPIP forms for their new appointment to

continue receiving UMPIP.

United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP)

Click link to access forms below to be completed.

UMPIP Before Tax - After Tax UMPIP Billing Change

(Also please make sure the pensions department has your updated contact information).

Email changes to: Kathleen.Lasky@wpaumc.org

Dear Cabinet Members, Our shoes finally made it to Florida (by rail). The container was weighed, emptied and weighed again. We now have the honor of having shipped the heaviest container funds2orgs has ever received, 35,049 pounds of shoes.(Thanks in large part to some of our youth who filled every possible space in that container) That translates to $14,019.60 for the ministries of All God's Children Ministries and The Erie United Methodist Alliance. Thank you all so much for your willingness to pass the word to your districts and throughout the conference. This was a wonderful testament to what we can do together for our God through our connectional system. May you be blessed this day. Debbie Hills

Greene County Hymn Sing July 13 Bobtown UMC 7PM August 10 Spraggs UMC 7PM September 14 Jefferson UMC 7PM October 12 Kent’s Chapel 7PM November 9 Carmichaels 7PM December 14 Rogersville UMC 7PM

Washington District UMW 2014 Theme: GOD ROCKS THE WORLD July 11-13 Mission u Weekend Event July 13-17 Weekday School August 9 District Mission Trip to Grace Ministries at West Alexander UMC August 13 DEMT at Eldersville UMC September 13 Annual Meeting/Day Apart at Carmichaels First October 25 UMW WPA Conference Annual Meeting at Trinity UMC in Indiana, PA November 12 DEMT at West Washington UMC

HEADING FOR A NEW MINISTRY SETTING? Among several resources dealing with pastoral transition, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership offers a video resource called The Right Start. It offers ways to end your current ministry well, develop a personal transition plan, and make the most of your first days, weeks, and months in your new congregation. The Right Start has been updated for 2014. Learn more.

Mission u-July 11-13, 2014-Weekend Event

Mission u-July 13-17, 2014-Weekday School

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Hymns For the Homeless

Come and share in an evening of Hymns of our Faith Rev Janet Lord at the keyboard

Vocals by Lexi Kalkbrenner and Jonny Summers Lexi and Jonny will lead the gathering in singing some of our favorite hymns along with

sharing their unique voices as they sing some of their favorites. Miss Kalkbrenner will share a presentation about the plight of our homeless and how

we can make a difference in their lives. Admission for the evening is either non-perishable food items or a new blanket. These

items will be taken to a homeless shelter. Date: Saturday, July 19, 2014

Time: 6:00 PM Place: Central Highlands Community UM Church

Elizabeth Twp 412-751-0511 2014 Youth Mission u Discovery Learning together for the Transformation of the World July 13-17, 2014 at Grove City College Join other United Methodist Youth, entering grades 6-12 as we serve our neighbors locally and globally with hands-on mission projects. Middle School Youth will participate in a variety of mission projects. Sr. High Youth will have a choice of three options working on homes, Vacation Bible School or assist the Children’s Mission u. Scholarships may be available from local UMW units, churches or the District Office. WPAUMC Scholarships: Scholarship descriptions and application forms are available at WPAUMC.org/scholarshipforms

Unstoppable 2014: Young women from 9th grade through age 25 are invited to a weekend of worship, service, music, learning, and fellowship from July 10-13 at Grove City College. They will learn about issues they can do something about, find out how, and change the world. Download a brochure.

UM Youth in Mission Event at Bakerstown UMC July 6-12 Youth Groups (grades 7-12) of all sizes are invited to participate in a week of local mission work, spiritual growth, and community building. This event is sponsored by U.M. A.R.M.Y. (United Methodist Action & Reach-out Mission by Youth) - read more about their 35 years of developing youth as mission leaders online. Register now for great group rates! “IN A GOOD LIGHT” Photography Play-Shop A Casual Photographers’ Retreat at Olmsted Manor with Rev. Dean Ziegler for clergy and laity from September 24-26, 2014; 1.0 CEU available. Please see attached brochure for more details.

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Washington District

All Church Family Picnic

Sunday, August 24 – 3:00 till dark

Mingo Creek Park, Pavilion #6

3:00 Welcome and registration

4:00 Eat and fellowship

Please bring the assigned type of dish according to

the first letter in your church name:

A—E: bring a salad

F—K bring fruit or vegetables

L—R: bring dessert

S—Z: bring snacks (chips, pretzels)

Everyone is to bring their own drinks.

Hotdogs and buns and table service provided

Bring lawn chairs, blankets, softball glove, Frisbee, horseshoes, bocce, badminton, volleyball, and anything else you and your children can use and we’ll see you there!!!!

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WPA Conference United Methodist Ministers’ Chorus

September 18, 2014 Brush Valley U. M. Church Indiana District

October 16, 2014 Central Highlands U. M. Ch.

Washington District

November 20, 2014 Greensburg: First U. M. Church

Greensburg District

Thursday, April 16, 2015 Warren: Grace U. M. Church Kane District

To schedule a concert, contact Rev. John V. King, Ministers’ Chorus Secretary at 724-475-2660 or

johnbonnieking@verizon.net

Transition Seminar – September 4 – 7:00 – 9:00 PM – WPA Conference Center,(1204 Freedom Road, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066) in the Hickman Room. This year we have invited Pittsburgh & Washington Districts to join us. Rev Sharon Schwab will lead.

PORTABLE LABYRINTH AVAILABLE A Labyrinth is not a maze; it is not a path that leads to confusion. It is a journey of surrender, an invitation to walk towards a holy mystery. It has three distinct parts and is a visual and visceral reminder of the life-journey, a physical experience for relocating and reorienting ourselves on our way to God. The WPA Conference offers a portable labyrinth for your church to borrow and use – free of charge. Some information is available at www.wpaumc.org/labyrinth -- More information to come. Contact Jessica Gamache Jessica.Gamache@wpaumc.org or Chris Kindle Chris.Kindle@wpaumc.org EVANGELIST AVAILABLE TO CHURCHES

Conference Evangelist, John Zimmerman, has a new website that introduces his passion, resources and availability for ministry with churches throughout Western PA. He says his understanding of evangelism is highly relational rather than traditional --“go and be” rather than “go and tell.” He wants to empower the church to make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world –so much so that he’s willing to bring his RV to your church and stay awhile. Check out the video on his website af180.org. Older Adult Ministry Grants: Local churches with ideas for creative ministries involving older adults can apply for a limited number of special Aging in Poverty Ministry grants from the United Methodist Committee on Older Adult Ministries. The grants are from the committee and the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. The deadline to apply is Aug. 18. Learn more and apply

Allegheny College Offers Discount to Clergy Children: Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa will offer a 50 percent discount on tuition and fees to children of clergy under full-time appointment beginning with the 2015 academic year. Learn more

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Friday – Sunday, August 22-24, 2014 – Autism Family Retreat at Jumonville Camp and Conference

Center Read about the 2013 retreat at http://www.wpaumc.org/news/detail/964. The UM Foundation in partnership with Autism Initiative: A ministry of the Oakland UMC

“Keeping Your Special Needs Child Protected: Estate Planning for Parents and Grandparents of Special Needs Children”

Dutilh UMC

1270 Dutilh Road

Cranberry Twp, PA 16066

Saturday May 17, 2014

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Check-in 9:30 AM

The cost is $20.00 per family and includes lunch

and childcare. Scholarships are available upon request.

Make Checks Payable to the UM Foundation

Please register by May 12, 2014.

Register online at www.umfoundation.org E-mail: info@umfoundation.org

Phone: (412) 232 0650 or

(800) 743 2128

Fax: (412) 232 0675

July 10, 2014 Finding Treasure: The Story of Our Newest Stewardship Resource Webinar - 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Central Daylight Time. Jacob Armstrong is a young man with a large vision for the church. This pastor & church planter will share with us the story of how he helped his congregation to discover that “where our treasure goes, our hearts will follow.” Join us and uncover how this Treasure might change your congregation!Presenters: Ken Sloane, Jacob Armstrong Register for WebinarContact for Information: Ken Sloane, ksloane@gbod.org

Lay Servant News:

Dates for the next online sessions:

Leading Public Prayer (July 7-18)

Your Ministry of Leading Worship 101 (July 7-30)

Life Together in the UM Connection (September 8-23)

Living Our UM Beliefs (September 8-23)

Other Lay Servant Ministry courses are available this summer, http://beadisciple.com/layservantministries.html

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“Too Amazing to Keep to Yourself”

Finding Your Personal Faith-Sharing Style

Sharing Christ with your friends …and keeping them as friends

There are 4 different REGIONAL SCHOOLS of EVANGELISM

with two keynote messages and six break-out sessions each.

Sponsored By: WPA UMC Evangelism Team

TIME: 9:30am – 3:30pm

COST: Early Bird Rate: $10/person June/July Regular: $20/person $10/students

Registration includes: Snacks/lunch, book: “Too Amazing to Keep to Yourself” & an evangelism styles survey.

.5CEU’s

School of Evangelism 1:

Sept 13 Good Shepherd UMC 9870 Rte 36 N., Leeper, PA (Kane District)

Keynote: Rev Chris Kindle (WPAUMC conference staff)

Keynote: Ken Wilson (Member of Harmony-Zelienople UMC Author of “To Amazing to Keep to Yourself.”

2 sets of 6 breakouts after lunch

School of Evangelism 2:

Oct 11 Saegertown UMC 620 Euclid Ave, Saegertown, PA (Erie/Meadville District)

Keynote: Rev Bob Trask (Pastor Brockway Charge, Chair Indiana District Evangelism Committee)

Keynote: Ken Wilson (Member of Harmony-Zelienople UMC Author of “To Amazing to Keep to Yourself.”

2 sets of 6 breakouts after lunch

School of Evangelism 3:

Oct 25 Concord UMC 285 Concord Church Road, Beaver Falls, PA (Butler District)

Keynote: Bishop Bickerton (WPAUMC Bishop)

Keynote: Ken Wilson (Member of Harmony-Zelienople UMC Author of “To Amazing to Keep to Yourself.”

2 sets of 6 breakouts after lunch

School of Evangelism 4:

Nov 15 Grace UMC 320 Felgar Road, Somerset, (Connellsville District)

Keynote: Rev Bill Blair (District Superintendent, Connellsville District)

Keynote: Ken Wilson (Member of Harmony-Zelienople UMC Author of “To Amazing to Keep to Yourself.”

2 sets of 6 breakouts after lunch

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August - December -- CLERGY: CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION PROGRAM The Cabinet and the Board Of Ordained Ministry (BOOM) are underwriting a Clinical Pastoral Education

(CPE) program for interested clergy. Congregation-Based Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) teaches pastoral leadership and pastoral care for clergy and lay ministers in the church from a Bowen Family Systems Theory perspective. It is designed for experienced pastors, lay workers, and ministers and seminarians new to pastoral work. Ministers strengthen their pastoral and leadership skills, address tension and conflict in the church, and work on their personal growth in ministry. The program focuses on in depth systemic change and leadership development that reduces congregational anxiety and addresses long-term issues in the church. The 2014 summer/fall unit for Western New York/Pennsylvania is still in the planning stage but will run August through December of 2014 in either Cabot (PA) or Meadville (PA). For information, contact Bob Spilman at (716) 479-7933. Continuing Education: 2014 Licensing School- The summer residential school will be held August 3 - 13th at Olmsted. The registration form should be ready soon. For Clergy Continuing Education & Formation events click here: CCEF EVENTS

New UMC Cyber Campus Website Launches!

Welcome to our new UMC Cyber Campus website. UMC Cyber Campus features short video training sessions and lectures to build your Christian leadership skills and a catalog of accredited online theological education courses & degree programs. UMC Cyber Campus aims to enhance global access to free and affordable high-quality theological educational resources throughout the world. We strive to develop confident and knowledgeable Christian leaders on an ongoing basis. Please visit our new website by clicking here. More Webinars: See full list of upcoming webinars for church leaders at GBOD.org.

Deadline to register for five online courses from United Methodist Communications, Tuesday, July 8 -

United Methodist Communications will offer the following courses July 9-Aug. 20. "Communicating Faith in the

21st Century," "Connectional Giving," "Moodle 200 - Advanced Training," "Web Ministry 100: What is Web

Ministry?" and "Welcoming Ministry 100." Costs vary. Connectional Giving is free. Details.

Free webinar "Finding Treasure: The Story of our Newest Stewardship Resource," Thursday, July 10 -

6:30 p.m. CT. Jacob Armstrong, pastor and church planter, will share how he helped his congregation discover

"where our treasure goes, our hearts will follow." Details.

Deadline to register for Boards of Ordained Ministry Mid-Quadrennial Training, Friday, July 11 - Event

for board officers and cabinet representatives will be Tuesday, Aug. 12 and ends by noon on Friday, Aug. 15

in Denver. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is sponsoring. Details.

Free webinar "What's the Job of Conference and District Lay Leaders?" Wednesday, July 16 - 6:30

p.m. CT. Jodi Cataldo of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship will facilitate a conversation on these

ministries. Details.

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Free webinar "Creating a Culture of Innovation Part 1: Can My Leaders Innovate?" Thursday, July 17 -

6:30 p.m. CT. This 90-minute session led by Craig Kennet Miller of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship

will introduce tools for implementing new ministry strategies in local churches. Details.

Deadline to register for School of Congregational Development 2014, Tuesday, July 15 - Gathering

Thursday-Sunday, Aug.14-17 sponsored by the United Methodist boards of Discipleship and Global Ministries

at Matthews United Methodist Church, Matthews, 801 S. Trade St., Matthews, N.C. $425. Details.

Free webinar "Congregations as Discipling Communities" Tuesday, July 22 - 6:30 p.m. CT. This

webinar will focus on a model where congregations can create safe, open and relational spaces where disciples

at all stages of their faith journey can share their experiences. Details.

Deadline for early-bird registration for "Make Worship More Creative" workshops in the Upper New

York Conference, Friday, Aug. 1 - Day-long workshops featuring worship coach Jason Moore will be Monday,

Sept. 8 through Thursday, Sept. 11 at different churches around the conference. Costs $25 per person, and

$65 per church. Details.

United Methodist conference "Walking with Palestinian Christians," Thursday-Friday, Aug. 7-8 -

Sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and host Ginghamsburg Church, 6759 S. County

Road 25A, Tipp City, Ohio. Details on PDF.

Christians Engaged in Faith Formation conference"CEF2014: May the Circle be Unbroken," Friday-

Monday, Oct. 17-20 - This is a conference for United Methodist Christian Educators and leaders in faith

formation from other denominations at Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. Details.

Finding Treasure: The Story of Our Newest Stewardship Resource

Thursday, July 10, 2014 Webinar - 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Central Daylight Time. Jacob Armstrong is a young man with a large vision for the church. This pastor & church planter will share with us the story of how he helped his congregation to discover that “where our treasure goes, our hearts will follow.” Join us and uncover how this Treasure might change your congregation! Presenters: Ken Sloane, Jacob Armstrong Register for Webinar Contact for Information: Ken Sloane, ksloane@gbod.org

Stewardship: Show Me the Mission!

Thursday, September 25, 2014 Webinar - Stories that Motivate Generosity. 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Central Daylight Time. Some people can look at a spreadsheet and get all the motivation they need to dig deeper and give more generously. The rest of us want to hear a story: a mission story that explains how our giving makes a difference. If your church has not been telling the mission stories of how lives are changed, you’ll want to make sure that someone sits in on this webinar! Presenters: Ken Sloane ksloane@gbod.org Register for Webinar

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Developing Healthy Clergy & Congregations Conference

August 19-21, 2014

Discovery UMC, Richmond, VA - This conference will provide training on how to handle conflict and become a more

healthy church. Healthy Clergy & Congregations

Foundations of Faith Community Nursing 2014 Fall Course

Fridays and Saturdays, September 5, 6, 19, 20 and October 3,4, 2014 at Glenwood United Methodist Church, 2931 Myrtle Street, Erie, PA 16508 (Corner of Peach and Myrtle Streets. Parking off of Myrtle Street) FCN 2014 Erie

Course Brochure.pdf For information or to request an application, please contact: Diann C. Cooper, MSN, RN, BC Villa Maria School of Nursing Gannon University 109 University Square Erie, Pa 16541 814-871-5466 cooper019@gannon.edu

Wesleyan Leadership Conference 2014

The October 23-25, 2014 Wesleyan Leadership Conference

will be a formational experience for lay and clergy leaders that

reconnects them with baptismal living, with the practices of prayer

and listening to Scripture, with font and Table, and with our rich

Wesleyan heritage of discipling people to Jesus Christ and sending

them out in ministry in his name and power.

When: Thursday, October 23, 2014 - Saturday, October 25, 2014

Where: General Board of Discipleship, 1908 Grand Ave., Nashville, Tennessee 37212 Phone: 615-340-7141

Leaders: Steve Manskar, Melanie Gordon, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Jodi Cataldo, Tom Albin, Tim Bias, Michael

Bell Click here to Register.

Residential Licensing School: The 2014 Residential Licensing School is scheduled for August 3-13 at Olmsted

Manor Retreat Center in Ludlow, PA. Download the application with details.

United Methodist Communications invites local churches to attend a conference Wednesday-Friday, Sept. 3-5 at Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. The event will focus on how congregations can use technology to strengthen international development. $215. Details. Deadline to register for School of Congregational Development 2014, Tuesday, July 15 - Gathering Thursday-Sunday, Aug.14-17 sponsored by the United Methodist boards of Discipleship and Global Ministries at Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S Trade St., Matthews, N.C. $425.Details.

Registration Fee

$300 for 6 Day Course

Fee includes materials & 38.3 CE hours

Must attend all 6 days

Course size is limited *apply early!

Application/ Registration Deadline:

August 11th, 2014

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Aldersgate 2014 Conference, Thursday to Sunday, July 17-20 - The national conference of Aldersgate Renewal

Ministries will be at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Ill. The theme is freedom. Details.

Introduction to United Methodist Board of Church and Society seminar program, Wednesday-Friday, July 23-

25 - Youth group and young adult leaders are invited to attend a three-day "In Focus" familiarization event about

United Methodist Seminars on National and International Affairs. The program will introduce the seminars and will

explain how to organize and lead a group for these tailored study experiences in the U.S. capital. Details.

Festival of Wisdom and Grace, Monday to Thursday, July 28-31 - Columbia (S.C.) Area Bishop Jonathan Holston will be the conference preacher at this time of worship and learning at Lake Junaluska (N.C) Conference and Retreat Center. The theme is "Living Ordinary Time with EEEE's - Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Engagement and Empowerment." Details

United Methodist conference "Walking with Palestinian Christians," Thursday-Friday, Aug. 7-8 - Sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and host Ginghamsburg Church, 6759 S. County Road 25A, Tipp City, Ohio. Details

on PDF

United Methodist conference "Walking with Palestinian Christians," Thursday-Friday, Aug. 7-8 - Sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and host Ginghamsburg Church, 6759 S. County Road 25A, Tipp City, Ohio. Details on PDF PTS: “Bringing Spirituality into Church and Life” with N. Graham Standish, Sept. 21-26 “The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and Christian Discipleship” with Martha A. Robbins, Jan. 11-16, 2015 More at ConEd@pts.edu; 412.924.1345; registration at www.pts.edu/CE

Like Olmsted Manor? Keep up with happenings by liking their Facebook page

Olmsted Manor Retreat Center, PO Box 8, Ludlow, PA 16333 www.olmstedmanor.org

814-945-6512 * info@olmstedmanor.org 2014 Tentative Program Dates for Olmsted Manor: July 13-15 Church Secretaries Workshop July 21-25 Retreat for Older Adults Sept. 14-16 Fall Women’s Spirituality Retreat

August 18-20, 2014 - The Good Shepherd: A Theological Journey of a Thousand Years with Dr. Kenneth E. Bailey, Th.D. Participants will explore Dr. Bailey’s new book to trace a series of ideas on the Good Shepherd which are created by David in Psalm 23 through the rest of the Old and New Testaments. Dr. Bailey has identified nine texts where Psalm 23 is retold; and his argument is that together these nine texts highlight a movie and the viewer needs to see the entire movie in order to understand adequately any one of the scenes. This event begins with dinner Monday, August 18 and continues through lunch Wednesday, August 20. 1.CEU Cost: $ 253.00 per person. Private Room request (if available) additional $20.00. Click here for reservation form: RESERVE MY PLACE! For more information call: 814-945-6512 e-mail: info@olmstedmanor.org Olmsted Manor Retreat Center PO Box 8 Ludlow, PA 16333

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Speak Less, Listen More: A mostly Silent Retreat

September 21-23, 2014 at Olmsted Manor, 17 E. Main Street, Ludlow, PA 16333.

October 12-14, 2014 at Jumonville, 887 Jumonville Rd, Hopwood, PA 15445.

November 2-4, 2014 at Camp Allegheny, 100 Camp Allegheny, Stoystown, Pa. 15563.

Details to come. Email Chris Kindle chris.kindle@wpaumc.org

Conference Wide Lay-Academy Gathering

September 26-27, 2014. Details to come. Email conferencelayleader@wpaumc.org

Introduction to United Methodist Board of Church and Society seminar program, Wednesday-Friday, July 23-25 - Youth group and young adult leaders are invited to attend a three-day "In Focus" familiarization event about United Methodist Seminars on National and International Affairs. The program will introduce the seminars and will explain how to organize and lead a group for these tailored study experiences in the U.S. capital. Details. Festival of Wisdom and Grace, Monday to Thursday, July 28-31 - Columbia (S.C.) Area Bishop Jonathan Holston will be the conference preacher at this time of worship and learning at Lake Junaluska (N.C) Conference and Retreat Center. The theme is "Living Ordinary Time with EEEE's - Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Engagement and Empowerment." Details

The Race: Strategies for Relevant, Authentic, Christ-centered Engagement with the World A School of Congregational Development Event Thursday, August 14 – Sunday, August 17, 2014 Matthews United Methodist Church, Charlotte, NC28105 Registration and Details at www.scdumc.com School of Congregational Development 2014 Gathering Thursday, Sunday, August 14-17 sponsored by the United Methodist boards of Discipleship and Global Ministries at Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S Trade Street, Matthews, N.C. $425. Deadline to register: Tuesday, July 15 Details

August 23 registration deadline - United Methodist Rural Advocates (UMRA) Legislative Consultation 2014

Who: Lay and clergy committed to rural ministry When: Tues, Sept 30 at 2:00PM - Fri, Oct 3 at Noon Where: Embassy Suites, 319 SW Pine, Portland, OR 97204 Why: Advocate for Rural Church and Community

Have input on UMRA Legislation for 2016 General ConferenceTeam building Learn what is going well in rural ministry Identify and define roles and responsibilities of UMRA GC Volunteers Hold Quadrennial Meeting of UMRA Hold Fundraising Auction on Thursday evening at 7:30PM Meet in conjunction with Rural Church Network – Tour & Lunch on Friday afternoon

Cost: $382.00/person*- Double Occupancy; $650.00/person- Single Occupancy

*Includes 3 room nights, 2 lunches and 1 dinner plus full breakfast and evening reception. Group room rates are available 3 days pre- and post-event only at time of registration for $179.00/room. Airport shuttle, Tri-Met, and additional information will be sent later. Parking -$12.50/day.

For more information or to register contact: Rev. Debbie Ketcham<revdsk@frontier.com> 7633 SR 753 South, Greenfield, OH 45123 614-580-2382 (cell) Early Registration (without payment) is June 23, 2014, so we know you are interested.

Registration deadline and payment due date is August 23, 2014!

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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center: Mediation Skills Training Institutes for Church Leaders: August 4-8 in Glen Ellyn, IL (Chicago area) Oct. 6-10 in Kansas City, MO Nov. 17-21 in Georgetown, TX (North of Austin) To register, call 630-627-0507 Clergy Clinic in Family Emotional Process All sessions will be held at First Church of Lombard, UCC, 220 South Main St, Lombard, IL Dates for Group A Dates for Group B Oct. 27-29 Nov. 10-12 Feb. 9-11, 2015 Feb. 23-25, 2015 April 20-22, 2015 May 4-6, 2015 Email questions to admin@LMPeaceCenter.org/website: www.LMPeaceCenter.org Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders

Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders (MSTI) provides 32 hours of training, which is useful for judicatory leaders, clergy, pastors in interim/transitional ministry, lay leaders - anyone who works with people! This event serves as a continuing education opportunity, as well as for honing mediation and conflict resolutions skills. Tuition is $695; the fee is $795 after the pre-registration date (pre-registration dates of each event are provided in the brochure)

Download a brochure with information and a registration form for the MSTIs around the country, sponsored by Lombard Mennonite Peace Center.

Or, download a brochure of one of the contracted MSRTIs: August 18-22, 2014, Hankinson, North Dakota August 25-29, 2014, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

2014 Webinar Series

The cost of each webinar individually is $25. The cost of registering for all 5 webinars is discounted to $100. To receive a discount by registering for all 5 webinars at once, please click here to receive the discounted price. After payment, you will receive confirmation of your registrations with more information.

Register for Individual Webinars Each of the following webinars will start at 10:00 AM ET (9:00 AM CT, 8:00 AM MT, 7:00 AM PT) and will last approximately 1.5 hours.

By clicking on the dates below, you will be directed to the individual registration pages at GoToWebinar. Webinar descriptions: http://justpeaceumc.org/

Developing Healthy Clergy & Congregations Conference August 19-21, 2014 Discovery UMC, Richmond, VA - This conference will provide training on how to handle conflict and become a more healthy church. Healthy Clergy & Congregations

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August 15-17 - Franklin Graham to hold Pittsburgh revival August 15th-17th, 2014 The Rev. Franklin Graham, the son, namesake and ministry heir to legendary evangelist Billy Graham, gathered with several hundred Pittsburgh-area pastors and others recently to formally launch the countdown to a three-day revival here in August. Details to be announced. Rev. Graham is scheduled to preach Aug. 15-17 at what's being called the Three Rivers Festival of Hope, organized by an array of Protestant and Catholic churches, at the CONSOL Energy Center. "I'm going to present the Gospel as plainly and simply as I know how and give people an opportunity to respond," Rev. Graham said. The center has a capacity of more than 19,000, depending on seating and staging configuration.

United Methodist Rural Advocates (UMRA) Legislative Consultation 2014 Sept. 30-Oct 3, 2014 at Embassy Suites, 319 SW Pine, Portland, OR 97204/$382 double occupancy or $650 single occupancy. For more information, please contact Rev. Debbie Ketchamrevdsk@frontier.com614.580.2382

Leadership Conference October 19-21, 2014 FUMC Arlington, TX This conference will provide information in all areas of leadership from planning, Finances, management, staffing, evangelism and effective leadership. More details coming soon! Clergy Spouse Retreat

October 24-25 East Ohio Western Pennsylvania clergy spouse retreat… Returns to Twinsburg, OH Hilton Garden Inn & Conference Center – Final details to come. 2014 Clergy

Spouse Save the Date.doc 2014

Lands of the Bible, Then and Now!

Tour with Bishop Bickerton November 12-21, 2014

All inclusive price from Pittsburgh Register early and get the best discount!

Information at eo@travelwithus.com

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/find_trip/detail.aspx?tour=HL14/P&d=11-12-2014&group=#p=4

January 9-11, 2015 Save the dates for next year's SPARK: January 9-11, 2015.

2015 Pastor's Academy, May 2015,"Telling the Whole Story; Proclamation and Narrative in the Hebrew Bible" with Dr. John C. Holbert. Olmsted Retreat Center.

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MISSION OPPORTUNITIES Washington District: www.grace-ministries.us Please check our website for ways to volunteer.

Do you receive WPA's Mission News? If not, read the latest edition online

http://wpa-email.brtapp.com/viewemail/81118

Habitats for Cherry Run

Opportunities exist for volunteers willing to maintain and update Cherry Run Camp with repairs and

improvements. Volunteers will meet at the camp to work on a variety of projects at a variety of skill levels. The work

will be going on all day. Come when you can and leave when you need to. Volunteers of all skill levels and experience

are encouraged to come. Food will be provided.

Saturday, June 21 July 21 thru July 26 Saturday, September 6

Saturday, July 5 Monday, August 4 Saturday, October 18 US TORNADOES: How YOU can help! - On Sun, April 27

th, an outbreak of tornadoes tore through seven Southern and

Midwestern states, devastating several communities. The hardest-hit states were Arkansas and Oklahoma. Across eastern North Carolina, multiple tornadoes touched down over the weekend damaging and destroying more than 300 homes and causing damage in more than eight counties. Tornadoes have also ripped through Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, bringing the death toll to at least 28. Greg Forrester, UMCOR’s US Disaster Response executive, mentioned ways United Methodists can help. “You can help UMCOR respond to this powerful event by keeping all those affected in your prayers; by giving to UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response; and by working with your church community to provide UMCOR relief supplies, especially health kits.” He asked for ongoing prayers for survivors and the efforts of first-responders.

Online Mission Trips: You and your congregation can engage in global mission without leaving your church. An online mission

trip could include Skype calls, video testimonies, online prayer rooms and more. Get your tech gurus excited and involve people

unable to be part of a typical on-site mission team. Learn more

WPA VIM Team for West Virginia Sandy Relief Announced The team will travel August 3-9 to areas of the state

that are need of Sandy Recovery attention with team leader, Jessica Speers. Est. cost. is $320 (room and board at a

local church, cooks needed.) Send attached WPA VIM Team application to Jessica Speers

VIM TRIP OPPORTUNITIES:

PrimeTimers is a short-term mission volunteer program designed for older adults through the General Board of

Global Ministries. There are 6 Events for 2014 - three are in the US and three are international. I encourage you

to share this opportunity in your churches and mission circles. Contact Nancy Eubanks with any questions and

check out the attached flyer and registration information.

Don't forget! You can now check our running list of WPA VIM Trip Opportunities online anytime at

www.wpaumc.org/opportunities

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Rev. Dr. Brad Lauster, District Superintendent

Collette Charnik, Administrative Assistant

The Washington District website - http://wpaumc.org/districts/detail/33

Send us your newsworthy items by mid month for publication in the following month’s edition of our monthly district newsletter.

District Contact Information

Washington District Office

29 North College Street

Washington, PA 15301

Phone: 724-225-6632

Fax: 724-225-9939

Hours: 8:30AM-3:00PM Monday-Thursday

Email: washington.district@wpaumc.org